RATHDRUM - Brent Bruns lacks energy as he awaits a heart donation for a transplant, but he never wants to forget what he has to be thankful for.

"I feel blessed to live in North Idaho, where the people are giving, and live close to Sacred Heart (Medical Center)," the 40-year-old Rathdrum husband and father of three said.

"I find comfort knowing that God is in control of my situation and having a wonderful church family. Some heart patients have to relocate here to be within two hours of Sacred Heart (to be prepared for a transplant), so I feel lucky to live here."

Bruns said a cold virus attacked his heart muscle, which has deteriorated in the past 13 years. He worked as a chef at The Coeur d'Alene Resort until he could no longer handle it physically.

In 2002 he went back to school to pursue a business degree so he could find work that's less physically demanding. He has been volunteering a few hours a week assisting families with their tax returns. When his energy allows, he helps cook at church or for friends.

Last July Bruns received a mechanical heart, a device that assists his heart with pumping. He has been on a list for a heart transplant since August.

Bruns remains at home, but has to be attached to a 6-pound battery pack that makes the mechanical heart run. He's on blood thinners and several other medications.

"I sleep a lot," the 1988 Lakeland High graduate said. "I take it day by day and play the waiting game."

A rummage sale fundraiser to assist the family with expenses will be held on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 14597 N. State St. in Rathdrum, west of the intersection of Highway 41 and Montana.

Bruns has insurance, but still has expenses such as co-pays and medication costs. Katy said she stepped down from her job after her employer asked her to out of fear they would have to let her go if she continued to miss work.

How to help:

• A rummage sale fundraiser to assist Rathdrum resident Brent Bruns will be Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 14597 N. State St. in Rathdrum, west of the intersection of Highway 41 and Montana.

• Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Northwest Heart Transplant Fund at www.ntafund.org under Bruns' name, by calling (800) 642-8399 or sending a check to NTAF Northwest Heart Transplant Fund in honor of Bruns, 150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-120, Radnor, PA 19087.